Illinois' newly elected congresswoman says she'll continue to talk about gun control in Washington and in the Chicago area district.

Former state Rep. Robin Kelly easily won Tuesday's special election to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

The Matteson Democrat was widely expected to win over Republican community activist Paul McKinley. The strongly Democratic Chicago-area district includes city neighborhoods, suburbs and rural areas.

Kelly easily won the special primary in February. The main issue in that race quickly became gun control and Kelly's campaign received a $2 million boost in ads from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's super PAC, including ones on television targeting her opponents.

Kelly is in favor of an assault weapons ban.

Jackson resigned and has pleaded guilty to charges accusing him of misspending campaign funds.